Melbourne was founded in 1867 by former slaves and named in honor of its first postmaster, Cornthwaite John Hector, an Englishman who had spent much of his life in Melbourne, Australia.

With a population of 76,068 as of the 2010 Census, Melbourne is the second largest city in Brevard County by size and population. The median household income was $34,571.

Interstate 95 runs north to south through Melbourne, the Beachline Expressway enters from the west, and US 192 runs through Melbourne to the beaches. Commuters are served by Space Coast Area Transit, offering bus, van pool, and park and ride services, as well as public transit for kids. Melbourne International Airport is near the center of the city. A number of defense and technology companies employ thousands of residents, including DRS Technologies, GE and Harris Corporation.

Melbourne, FL is full of great things to do. Melbourne’s Leisure Services Department provides parks and recreational facilities, including two golf courses, an auditorium, a state-of-the-art civic center, tennis courts and swimming pools, while Brevard Zoo is a favorite destination for families. Popular cultural events include the annual Melbourne Independent Filmmakers’ Festival, the Melbourne Arts Festival, and Melbourne Oktoberfest.

Garden Communities of Florida offers apartment rentals in Brevard County and Hillsborough County Florida. Whether you are looking for 1, 2, or 3 bedroom apartments, or luxury apartment rentals, your ideal location is waiting at Garden Communities. Our properties offer residents access to extensive shopping, entertainment, the best schools in the area and recreational activities for all ages.